In their outstanding way of managing their press, the
Publix folks just went on not responding much and gradually the free samples
have gone away.

First, it was with a question from the server, "would
you like this," as he/she held the tempting morsel just out of reach with
a scared look that you might say yes.

Then there was the first slice held up from the slicer
with, "is this OK?"

I get the problem. I could not find any numbers but the
amount of product given away corporately by Publix would probably astound you.

There is a greater loss here than just a free piece of
cheese or lunch meat. Since the dawn of time, one of the primary ways we
connect with each other is over food.

I looked forward to going to the Publix Deli and standing
with other customers and sharing a bite or two and a little conversation.

I have met some interesting people at the Publix Deli.

Often a conversation about current events, kids, church
or school would start up sometimes with several joining in. It seemed friends
tended to show up at the deli at the same time.

The conversations did not last long. Usually, they were
timed by how much lunch meat and cheese you were buying, but they were often a
bright spot in my day, and I am sure many of those Publix customers who live
alone got a lot more than just some meat and cheese from their visit to the
Deli.

I also noticed that those who work in the Deli knew
their customers, seemed to enjoy handing that slice of cheese or meat over the
counter, and the banter between customer and server was often as entertaining
as the rest of the conversations.

Most of that is gone now. Customers walk up to the deli
counter place their order and just stare off into the distance. Servers
approach the case with a hurried look, obviously not wanting break the "no
free slice" admonition from management.

People, who used to willing to chat with a free piece
of cheese in their hand, now grab the neatly sealed bag toss it in their cart
or basket and hurry away.

No different from any other grocery store some would
say.

True, but I can honestly say shopping at the Publix
Deli is not nearly the pleasure it used to be.